Nigeria vs Madagascar: Preview, Team News and Key Facts for AFCON Qualifier

Posted : 23 September 2026

Nigeria will begin their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign against Madagascar at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Friday, September 25. The Group L fixture is scheduled for 4:00 p.m. GMT as Éric Chelle begins his first competitive AFCON qualifying campaign as Super Eagles coach.

The match carries added importance because Tanzania are already guaranteed a place at the 2027 tournament as one of the three co-hosts alongside Kenya and Uganda. Nigeria, Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau will therefore compete for the remaining qualification place available to the highest-ranked non-host team in Group L.

Nigeria will be without Victor Osimhen for the opening two qualifiers after the striker was ruled out while recovering from a muscle injury suffered with Galatasaray. The 27-year-old was forced off against İstanbul Başakşehir and has since been replaced in the squad by Taiwo Awoniyi.

Chelle still has several attacking options available. Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze, Moses Simon, Akor Adams, Tolu Arokodare and George Ilenikhena are among the forwards named in the original squad, while Ilenikhena is one of three players receiving their first senior call-up.

Goalkeeping is another area of interest. Stanley Nwabali has returned to the squad alongside Maduka Okoye and Arthur Okonkwo, giving Chelle three options for the position. Nwabali was Nigeria’s first-choice goalkeeper at the 2025 AFCON, while Okoye started both of the team's June friendlies against Poland and Portugal.

Madagascar have also made preparations for the encounter. Coach Corentin Martins named a 25-man squad, with goalkeeper Zacharie Boucher and striker Roman Ferber receiving their first international call-ups, while Warren Caddy returned to the national team.

The Barea arrive with confidence from their recent continental campaign. Madagascar reached the final of the African Nations Championship, giving the team an important competitive run before the start of their AFCON qualifying campaign.

Nigeria have the stronger record in previous senior meetings. The Super Eagles have won three of five encounters, while Madagascar have one victory and one match has ended in a draw. However, the Barea won the most recent meeting 2-0 at the 2019 AFCON in Egypt, where they finished top of their group and Nigeria advanced as runners-up.

The Super Eagles will then travel to Guinea-Bissau for their second Group L fixture on September 29. Madagascar are scheduled to host Tanzania on the same day.

Match Details:

Fixture: Nigeria vs Madagascar

Competition: 2027 Africa Cup of Nations Qualifiers, Group L

Date: Friday, September 25, 2026

Kick-off: 4:00 p.m. GMT

Venue: Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo

Referee: Alhadi Allaou Mahamat of Chad

Nigeria head coach: Éric Chelle

Madagascar head coach: Corentin Martins

Previous meetings: Nigeria 3 wins, Madagascar 1 win, Draw 1

Nigeria vs Madagascar: Preview, Team News and Key Facts for AFCON Qualifier

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